Mayor Bynum welcomes new citizens at Tulsa naturalization ceremony

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum celebrated the newest citizens of the United States during a naturalization ceremony held on April 10, 2025, emphasizing the importance of diversity and community involvement. Addressing a crowd of new citizens, Bynum expressed his joy in welcoming them as neighbors and highlighted the shared responsibility of all residents to contribute to the city's future.

The mayor reflected on his own citizenship experience, noting the privilege of being born in the U.S. and recognizing the hard work and determination of those who have recently earned their citizenship. He underscored that Tulsa's rich history is deeply intertwined with the contributions of immigrants, stating, "Tulsa has always been a city that has relied on the contributions of folks who come from all around the world."

Bynum encouraged the new citizens to actively participate in their community, inviting them to engage with local authorities and boards. He emphasized that they are not visitors but integral members of the Tulsa community, urging them to treat the city as their home.

The ceremony also served as a reminder of Tulsa's complex history, from its founding in 1836 to its status as a city shaped by both Native American heritage and immigrant contributions. Bynum's remarks included a poignant acknowledgment of the Tulsa Race Massacre, symbolized in the city flag, which he encouraged the new citizens to wear with pride.

As the ceremony concluded, Bynum expressed confidence in the positive impact the new citizens will have on Tulsa, stating, "I can't wait to see the contributions I know you're gonna make." The event marked a significant moment for both the new citizens and the city, reinforcing the values of resilience, community, and shared identity that define Tulsa.